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This was an out-of-court matter initiated by the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division (DOJ), reviewing the City of San Clemente’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Beginning in October 2016, the City of San Clemente provided reduced-fare rides through Lyft’s ride sharing service for individuals along two bus routes that were discontinued. The DOJ opened an investigation to determine whether the City’s Lyft program complied with the ADA, and found that from October 2016 to March 2018, individuals with disabilities who needed wheelchair-accessible vehicles could not use the City’s Lyft program because it did not offer such vehicles.
The parties reached a settlement agreement on March 10, 2020, agreeing to several remedial measures. The City agreed to ensure that individuals with mobility disabilities had access to demand-responsive transportation through Lyft, as well as an additional third-party provider, Butterfli. The City would maintain an equivalent service standard for participants with mobility disabilities, including wheelchair users, considering factors such as response time, fares, geographic area of service, hours and days of service, and reservations capability. Lyft, Butterfli, or any other vendor would train their drivers to assist individuals with disabilities respectfully and courteously. The City was required to maintain records, including response times, fares, reservations capability, and information on capacity or service availability, on a monthly basis. The City would continue advertising the program's accessibility on its website, social media, and through physical signs. Additionally, the City agreed to conduct outreach with disability rights organizations. The City was required to provide reports every three months, detailing its progress in complying with the agreement. The agreement was to last for three years, unless durable compliance was demonstrated earlier, or if funding for the program was no longer allocated. The matter is now considered closed.
Summary Authors
Simran Takhar (11/25/2023)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 1:27 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory:
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Closing Date: March 10, 2023
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
The United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Attorney Organizations:
U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.
Other Dockets:
Available Documents:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Relief Granted:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree
Order Duration: 2020 - 2023
Issues
General/Misc.:
Public benefits (includes, e.g., in-state tuition, govt. jobs)
Disability and Disability Rights:
Discrimination Basis: